fabric

noun

fab·​ric ˈfa-brik 

1

a

: structure, building

b

: underlying structure : framework

the fabric of society

2

: an act of constructing : erection

specifically : the construction and maintenance of a church building

3

a

: structural plan or style of construction

b

: texture, quality

—used chiefly of textiles

c

: the arrangement of physical components (as of soil) in relation to each other

4

a

: cloth sense 1a

b

: a material that resembles cloth

5

: the appearance or pattern produced by the shapes and arrangement of the crystal grains in a rock

Synonyms of fabric

• cloth
• textile

Examples of fabric in a Sentence

The curtains are made of expensive fabric.

scarves made of woven fabrics

the fabric of the community

Recent Examples on the Web

The over-the-calf fit is firm but comfortable, the moisture-wicking fabric keeps feet dry in snow or damp conditions, and the seamless toes prevent blisters. —Karthika Gupta, Travel + Leisure, 28 Dec. 2025

Belgian Flax Linen Hand Stitched Quilt A linen quilt is a smart pick for hot sleepers thanks to the fabric’s naturally breathable weave and crisp, cool-to-the-touch feel. —Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Dec. 2025

The breathable Everlux fabric helps keep you cool and dry, even during intense, sweaty workouts. —Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 28 Dec. 2025

Goewy Fuzzy Slippers Between fuzzy fabric and a memory foam lining, these slippers will keep your feet toasty on chilly floors, all while cushioning your feet. —Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 28 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French & Medieval Latin; Middle French fabrique "act of construction, something created or constructed, the created world, structure, construction and maintenance of a church," borrowed from Medieval Latin fabrica, going back to Latin, "process of making something, craft, art, workshop," noun derivative from *fabricus "of a craftsman," from fabr-, faber "craftsman, smith" (perhaps going back to dialectal Indo-European *d^hab^h-r- —perhaps of non-Indo-European origin— whence also Armenian darbin "smith," from *d^hab^h-r-sneh₂) + -icus -ic entry 1

Note: The Latin derivative fabrica may have been shortened from fabrica ars, perhaps literally "smith's craft, smith's place of work." The base *d^hab^h-r- has been compared with Gothic gadaban "to happen, be suitable" and a host of related words (see daft), though the semantic link is tenuous.

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing fabric

• fabric softener

Kids Definition

fabric

noun

fab·​ric ˈfab-rik 

1

: the basic structure

the fabric of society

2

: cloth sense 1